[Home]

In an opinion column, it is customary to write about one topic per issue. However, right now, There are a lot of things that have started to annoy me. So, I’m going to write about more than one issue, because I can.

Let’s start with being Politically Correct. Since when is it wrong to wish someone a Merry Christmas? Now, all people say is, “Happy Holidays.” Yeah, Happy Holidays to you too, you insecure freak. It’s like everyone suddenly decided that they were either too insecure to and scared to let anyone know their religion, or lack thereof; or they decided it makes them seem like an accepting person to wish everyone a generally good time. Jackie Mason, comedian, is quoted as saying, “Rappers are singing songs about killing everybody in the streets, and it’s protected. But if, God forbid, you say “Merry Christmas,” “Ho, ho, ho,” a whole fight breaks out.” How true. He goes on to say, “anybody who sees it and decides you must call it a holiday tree should be put in a sanitarium.” Get over it, there are people who celebrate Christmas, people who celebrate Hanukkah, people who celebrate Kwanza, people who honor Ramadan, and people who observe the Winter Solstice. So wish them their holidays accordingly, but cut out this Happy Holidays crap. Stay Home

Speaking of people staying home, what’s up with them not doing it? I can’t go anywhere anymore without having to push through a huge croud of people. Haven’t people ever heard of shopping online? You don’t even have to stand up. I went to CompUSA to get my new G15, and the trains were crouded, the store was crouded, and the only G15 they had was in the Hard Drive section. All the movies are sold out, I have to wait for the next bus, and I can’t get pictures of trees. Shop online, people.

To everyone on the buses and trains, here’s a bit of advice: Don’t scroll through every ring tone you have in public places. It is the most annoying thing you could do. What amazes me is that not only do people do it, but they are completely oblivious that anyone else is pissed off. Because you can’t be bothered to shut off the sound and notice what’s around you, I’ve compiled a list of the Top 5 places not to go through your ring tones.

5. In a waiting room.
Seriously. We’re all trying to sit quietly, pretending no one else exists, and here you are, making all this noise. Shut up. Can’t you read a magazine like everyone else?
4. In a public bathroom
I don’t care how loud your taking a dump is, don’t block it out with your ring tones. No one wants to hear it, so turn it off. I prefer to piss in peace, thank you very much.
3. On a bus.
A bus seats what, 40, 50 people? subract 1 from that, and that’s how many people you’re pissing off. Then add one because the bus driver counts too. And you wonder why old ladies hate cell phones? It’s because you keep listening to your stupid ring tones when they’re trying to sit.
2. On a train.
At least on a bus, there are windows to look out and see something nice in an attempt to block your cacaphony out. But not on a train, no, here there is nothing to see.
1. In a theater
I have no words for people who do it in the theater.

While I’m on the topic of being pissed off, I have to mention that letter-writing campaigns don’t work. President Bush doesn’t read your postcards, he doesn’t know how. And the government of Darfur doesn’t speak english, so those postcards won’t work either. Give your money to real charities, or find a homeless person and give him twenty bucks, he’ll be happy, I promise.

No Comments

There have been many conceptual rock albums created over the years, but these 5 stand out to me as the greatest. They speak ideas, tell stories, and make all think.

5. Green Day - American Idiot
This album, released in the midst of a divided country, tells what many people had wanted to say for a long time.
It is an extremely ambitious and different album for the Oakland-rooted punk rock band. It tells of problems in
today’s society, referring back many times to “the child of rage and love, the Jesus of Suburbia.” This album is a
must for any Pop-Punk fans, or anyone who wants to hear some true political poetry.
Most Memorable Song: Jesus of Suburbia

4. The Who - Tommy
The original conceptual rock album and the first Rock Opera, this album narrates the story of Tommy, a man whose
life goes downhill from his skill for pinball. As with any good masterpiece, it has a recurring theme, a line
repeated throughout that makes you think back to a previous track. This was also turned into a movie, starring Jack
Nicholson, Roger Daltrey, and many other stars. This album is great for classic rock fans, or anyone who’s
interested in the roots of modern concepts in music.
Most Memorable Song: Sally Simpson

3. Muse - Absolution
Muse’s Absolution speaks out the process of death. It’s ups and downs never lets the listener stay grounded, and
leaves you on the edge of your seat. The operatic vocals of Matthew Bellamy (surpassed in modern rock vocals only
by Coldplay’s Chris Martin) sound throughout the album taking the listener through the process all humans face at
the end of their lives. This is a great album for anyone who is looking for something different to listen to, as
well as people who don’t usually listen to rock albums.
Most Memorable Song: Butterflies and Hurricanes

2. Queens of the Stone Age - Songs for the Deaf
This glorious piece of rock makes a bold statement about music on radios today. All the hard rock sounds are
intertwined with various parodies of radio stations and programs one might encounter. Throughout the whole album,
it is as if you are scrolling through stations, yet all say the same thing. The album raises the question, “Do we
really listen to songs on the radio, or are they really just songs for our deaf selves?” This album is for people
who enjoy hard rock, and some humor as well.
Most Memorable Song: A Song for the Dead

1. Pink Floyd - The Wall
This piece of sheer genious should be in any rock fan’s collection. It tells of Roger Waters’ feeling of separation
from fans, but has often been interpreted to tell of a journey into insanity. It speaks of a wall we all build, by
pushing things to the back of our minds, where they will eventually build such a great wall, that we are stuck on
one side, with no escape. Anyone who enjoys this should also watch the movie by the same name, which follows Pink
through is construction of an oversized wall. This album is for everyone, because no life is complete until you
have heard this.
Most Memorable Song: Comfortably Numb

1 Comment